Ernest E. “Gene” Burdick, age 76 of Joplin, Mo. passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at National Health Care following an illness.

Gene was born on September 27, 1941 in Winfield, Ks., the son of Ralph and Wanda (Brown) Burdick. He proudly served his country as part of the U.S. Army. Gene has been a longtime area resident. He worked as a machinist for the Atlas Powder Co. for many years. Gene enjoyed attending car shows and showing his cars. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Diamond.

He married Roberta Denny on May 31, 1961, she survives. Additional survivors include; one son, Chris Burdick and wife Carol of Diamond, Mo.; one daughter, Alicia Wheelan and husband Scott of Joplin; two grandchildren, Hannah Burdick and Jacob Burdick; One brother, Fred Burdick and wife Kae, Carthage, mo.; four sisters, Barbara Crawford and husband Jim, Wichita, Ks., Janice Adams and husband Dave, Wichita, Ks., Carolyn Carlon and husband Preston, Mulvane, Ks., and Rosemary Cowger and husband R.D. Medford, Ok.; an aunt, Nadine Walker, Arkansas City, Ks.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

Services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday October 27, 2017 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Diamond Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation at the funeral home from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday evening.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Diamond, Mo. Building Fund in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

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